The council chamber fell into silence the moment Dax crossed the threshold, the door closing behind him with a quiet finality that always made Tyler Bell stand a little straighter and made Andrew track every shift in the king's posture.
Killian adjusted the mantle at his shoulder with smooth elegance and moved subtly to stand at Dax's right. Andrew held position just behind and to the left. Tyler was already half-rising from his chair, notes gathered into a single organized stack, eyes sharp with the careful focus of a man who expected trouble. Nadia stood beside Dr. John Bird, her tablet ready, her expression calm but observant.
"Majesty," Tyler said, bowing his head.
"Secretary Bell," Dax replied, voice cool, controlled, a king's voice rather than the man Rowan had heard committing emotional ruin through several layers of sound insulation.
Dr. Bird cleared his throat softly. "Whenever you are ready, Your Majesty."
